Israeli Air Force Band

The Israeli Air Force Band (IAF Band) (Hebrew: להקת חיל האוויר‎) is the principal musical ensemble of the Israeli Air Force, which is a service branch of the Israel Defense Force (IDF). It came into creation in May 1948 as a small musical group that was not at all similar to the marching bands of the IDF that were based in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It was first led by Erich Tych, who led the unit for 35 years until his death in 1983. He led and directed the band in a style that was only found in Big bands and jazz bands. The band is currently composed of a number of ensembles that play and sing different genres such as ethnic music, jazz, and rock and roll.[1]

The band in October 2016

Notable members

• Ania Bukstein – Russian-Israeli actress, singer-songwriter, and pianist. She was drafted into the band after graduating high school and worked as a soloist during her tenure.[2]
• Danni Bassan – Former member of the Israeli rock band T-Slam.[3]
• Guy Zu-Aretz – Israeli actor and television host known for being the host of the show Survivor.[4]
• Shai Gabso – He is an Israeli singer who won third place in a reality television show called Kokhav Nolad. He used to composed music for the band.
• Udi Spielman – Israeli singer and Hazzan. He was a soloist during his time with the band.
• Omer Shaish – Israeli composer and pianist.[5]
• Gal Abargil – Israeli singer and music producer.

References

1. "תזמורת חיל האויר". army-bands.co.il.
2. https://www.rbth.com/arts/2016/05/27/moscow-native-stars-in-the-game-of-thrones_597855
3. https://www.lyrics.com/sublyric/39680/דני+בסן/דרכנו
4. http://teev.com/t/ZuAretz/EPK/Zu-Arettz_Bro-201608.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwilssfu1IDiAhVDXKwKHUM9C0gQFjAHegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw1z2YorzRxnEHWw7GhMsolB
5. http://www.edmontonjewishnews.com/uja-campaign-kickoff-features-israeli-singing-sensation-omer-shaish-september-13/